What's the best way to help people who ask for money on the street?

Answer 1

Give them some food, not money.

Answer 2

Don't give them money - if you really want to give it to them (I know its often hard to say no) - take the amount you would have given to that person and give it to an agency that helps the homeless.
Missoula Montana has a big problem with this and posts signs around town asking you not to give money and directing you to the local agency where you can make your donation.
That way you ensure they get what they need - food, medication and so on - rather than fueling a culture of begging that can hurt local business and not really help these people anyway.
Don't be rude to them and don't judge - the homeless aren't necessarily lazy.

Answer 3

The best way to help people who ask for money on the streets is to ignore it . They are spoil and ungraceful they think they deserve it. Talking for experience. i rent my room to this couple and the guy was a "homeless" he is in his early "20 " and guess what the girlfriend said about her guy. she say that he is very young to start working. Most of the people they work at the age of 14 year old or early. Most of the homeless they steal and Very very very very Picky. They think that you and the rest of the people who really have job is the responsibility to help them. I work in a restaurant and i always see them asking for money. One time this homeless ask money to the customer. The customer say, i would buy you food and the homeless said, OK he order a meal and then at soon the customer pay and left the building of the restaurant the homeless came to the register and say, i want a refund i don't want the food please refund it and give me the money. You know they dress better than us does clothes they have is their work clothes and when i mean "work clothes" is because they work so hard to make a believer out you so you thing they are homeless. if you want to help go to charity or donate toys, food ,clothes or money for children who really need it. not homeless. it a waste of time and money.

Answer 4

my daughter is always giving away a few dollars here and there to these people and she really doesnt have the money to be doing that . but as for me i dont. my dad once told me he talk to a "begger" on the street in cali. and asked him how he was doing and the "begger" replied "oh about 60 grand a year!" that right there has stopped me ever simce. i raised 4 kids on my own working sometimes 60 hrs aweek i believe everyone else can do the same if needed.

Answer 5

A friend and I actually spent the day making sandwiches and baked cookies. We were saddened to find out that the homeless didn't want the food. They even asked if they could have money instead of the food. So to answer your question, the best way to help is to have the address of a homeless shelter or soup kitchen handy and give it to them.

Answer 6

Just give them what you can afford, but don't be shy to smile and say "Sorry"

some people on the strets choose to be on the streets and already know about shelters and soup kitchens and survive this way. Mabey you can reserch these places in your community. and if you ever find someone in dire need of help, then take them to a place that could help them. but be careful. people like to take advantage of others. it may not be intentional, it's just the only way of life they know.

Don't get yourself hurt, and remember, god bless all those people on the streets. after all, we're all human

Answer 7

I NEVER give money to anyone on the street. I don't feel it's appropriate to give away my money to someone who has chosen not to make their own. I do offer water, food, clothing blankets - anything else, but cash. I always take my leftovers to give away as I'm heading home. And the people who refuse it are the ones who make me certain that I was right not to give away money.

Answer 8

This is a good question..
I think the best way would be to offer to pay for a meal for them. If you give them money, they might use it on alcohol or something else that is not a necessity. So it's best to give them food and water.
It's very thoughtful of you !

Answer 9

It is so hard to distinguish the really needy from the fakes.
I find it hard to turn somebody down unless they are obviously just looking for money for alcohol.
Would you believe that some of these panhandlers make $300 to $400 a day? I would like to make that much.

Answer 10

Make Sure They Dont Have An Escalade Around the Corner

Answer 11

donate to a charity like the salvation army. they are there to help people in need and your money will not be mis-spent on dope or booze. that way you can pass by the panmandlers and not feel any guilt because you've already given them a chance for a hot meal and a warm bed. the rest is up to them.